I am a sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Sober, by the Grace of God, since July 24, 1984.

Saturday, September 24, 2005

The Tenth Tradition

Hi Everyone, My name is Mary, I am an alcoholic.

I have just been doing a little bit of research on blogs. Specifically, looking at the blogs of others who listed "Alcoholics Anonymous" as one of their favorite books in their profiles.

Probably this goes back to my initial question of how public a blog is. I happen to think it is very public. Anyone can find it and read it. There is no encoding so that only your pals can read it, as far as I can tell, and besides, that would defeat the purpose of a blog. (I think.)

OK, here is the 10th Tradition in the short form from "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions"

Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.And here is the text from the Big Book, the long form of the traditions:

No A.A. group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate A.A., express any opinion on outside controversial issues - particuarly those of politics, alcohol reform, or sectarian religion. The Alcoholics Anonymous groups oppose no one. Concerning such matters they can express no views whatever.Hence, in this blog, you will never be subject to my myriad opinions on politics or religion. There should never be discussion of these things in an AA forum. (Besides, I have another blog to trot out my opinions on those things!)

I do talk about these things at great length with my AA friends, but not when I am representing myself as an AA member to others. We tend to be quite intelligent people and we have wonderful thoughtful discussions of many things, the quality of which is just sublime!

This is sacrosant to me. All of the traditions are. They are there to protect our very lives as recovering alcoholics.

For those who have stopped by, thanks. I would LOVE to hear from you. I have changed my comments requirements so that you can leave an anonymous comment, it seemed appropriate considering the subject.

5 comments:

Anonymous
said...

but if this is your view here how can you mention your membership in your public blog (post as in press) in light of Eleven—Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.

The 'LAW' is a governing power over individuals that could not be met with after its authorship by God through Moses and is in effect in AA by default. Fortunately, however, the 'SPIRITUAL' has overcome the Law through the sacrifice of Christ and we can now live in the Mercy and Grace by surrendering our material lives to that great and glorious power. When the law becomes a habit (90 day theory) the Spiritual growth begins and eventually the law is exceeded.

Mary Christine, :) I dont know if you check this or not anymore... but I am chairing a tradition 10 meeting tonight and was going to go to aa.rapevine to research, to bring some flair, as no offense but my expirence the 12x12 seems to put some of the newer members to sleep, the ones I am trying to educate and get excited about the traditions, I think so many ppl (I did in the beginning) dont relate the traditions personally... I am looking for inspiration to bring to my homegroup.. loved your blogs always and all the things you ahve taught me personally, whether you knew it or not :) This is Shannon an alcoholic :)